Throughout the world today, marriage is being redefined by national courts and governments, religious liberty is severely threatened, and abortion is routinely promoted as a “human right”. The international organizations that were established in the 20th century to protect fundamental human rights are instead in some areas being used to undermine them. This short guide seeks to answer three questions: What are the international and regional human rights institutions that exist around the world, why do they matter and how can individuals and organizations get involved? Read more (flyer).

ISBN: 978-3-9503055-9-3

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A new edition of the German Catholic classic "Of Marriage and Of Loneliness" by Ida Friederike Görres. Only available in German. Further information

Despite the importance of freedom of speech and robust public debate, the nations of Europe have all adopted criminal laws against so-called “hate speech.” In Germany, for example, committing an insult is a criminal offence and in Poland offending religious feelings carries a two year prison sentence. In Cyprus, anyone who promotes feelings of ill will may be committing a crime, while in Sweden anyone who expresses contempt towards a group of persons may be imprisoned. 

Across Europe, such laws are readily being used. Ministers of religion have been arrested for preaching sermons from the Bible, journalists have been routinely fined, and even private conversations between citizens have resulted in criminal investigations. Yet remarkably, there appears to be almost unwavering support for “hate speech” laws among major European institutions and many non-governmental organizations. Summarizing what appears to be the popular position on “hate speech” laws, two judges of the European Court of Human speech” laws, two judges of the European Court of Human Rights recently held that “extremist opinions can bring much Rights recently held that “extremist opinions can bring much more harm than restrictions on freedom of expression.” 

This book seeks to challenge this prevailing orthodoxy by detailing the stark history of the internationalization of “hate speech” laws, their present day application, and their possible future. Fifty “hate speech” cases are discussed and a fully up-to-date compendium containing hundreds of European “hate speech” laws is included.

Paul B. Coleman is legal counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom at its office in Vienna, Austria, where he specializes in international litigation with a focus on European law.

By Paul Coleman, Kairos Publications, June 2016

Second Edition. First published 2012, Vienna, Austria

ISBN: 978-3-9503851-1-3

256 pages

Hardcopy 18,99 Euro (+ shipping) / e-book 8,99 Euro

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Dieses Buch ist derzeit nur auf Englisch erhältlich!

Article: Europe’s free speech problem: a cautionary tale, by Paul Coleman